July’s birthstones are the ruby and the garnet. Both gems have long been prized for their mystical powers and natural beauty. But which is the true birthstone for July – ruby or garnet? Let’s take a closer look at the history and meaning behind these two popular gemstones.
The Ruby – A Fiery Favorite
The ruby has long been associated with the month of July. In 1912, the Jewelers of America adopted the ruby as July’s official birthstone. Deep red in color, the ruby is known for its fire and vibrancy.
The word “ruby” comes from the Latin “ruber” meaning red. Rubies range in color from pinkish to blood-red. The most prized color is a deep, vivid red with a hint of blue, called pigeon’s blood. Rubies with this saturate red color command the highest prices.
Origins and Legends
For centuries, the ruby has been considered one of the most valuable gems on Earth. Rubies are mined primarily in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. For ages, the ruby’s beauty, rarity and hardness have driven men mad with desire. Ancient Hindus called the ruby “Ratnaraj”, meaning “King of Precious Stones.” It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. In Burma, warriors possessed rubies to make them invincible in battle.
According to ancient folklore, rubies were hot coals that burned brightly. A ruby’s glow was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone. The ruby’s deep red color was associated with passion and love. As such, rubies have long been given between lovers to symbolize their eternal bond.
Meaning and Symbolism
In crystal healing, the ruby is known for stimulating passion, confidence and motivation. Its intense and passionate energy helps restore vitality and enthusiasm for life. The ruby is believed to bring clarity and wisdom to those lacking in direction. It also strengthens focus and concentration.
Ruby is associated with the root chakra, which governs our sense of safety and survival. By energizing this chakra, the ruby promotes feelings of stability and security.
In terms of astrology, ruby is linked to the sun. The fiery red stone amplifies leadership qualities and helps wearers discover their inner power. Those influenced by the sun benefit most from the ruby’s fortifying energy.
Durability and Value
Besides beauty, the ruby is prized for its hardness and durability. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, the ruby ranks 9 out of 10. Only the diamond ranks higher in toughness. Such hardness makes the ruby an ideal gem for jewelry meant for everyday wear.
The ruby’s rarity also adds to its value. Plus, rubies display a phenomenon called fluorescence. In daylight, they glow with an intense, fiery red brilliance. This dazzling effect only adds to the ruby’s mystique and appeal.
For all these reasons – beauty, mythic allure, and toughness – the ruby remains one of the world’s most precious gems.
Garnet – January’s Bright Red Stone
While not July’s official birthstone, garnets still make a lovely addition for those born in the summer month. Garnets actually come in every color, from rich red to emerald green. Let’s explore the garnet’s illustrious history and meaning.
Varieties and Origins
Garnets comprise a group of minerals that share similar crystal structures and chemical compositions. While red is the most common garnet, others come in shades of green, orange, pink, purple, yellow and brown. The traditional garnet is a pyrope, known for its fiery red color and brilliance.
Garnets form in metamorphic rocks like schist and gneiss. They’re also found in igneous rocks like granite. While garnets are mined globally, notable sources include India, Sri Lanka, East Africa and the United States. The largest garnet on record weighed over 3,000 carats!
Legends and Symbolism
Dating back to the Bronze Age, garnets adorned the jewelry and armor of ancient warriors. Garnets were treasured by Egyptian pharaohs, Aztec kings and Roman aristocrats. Ancient Mediterranean folklore held that garnets illuminate the night like fiery coals.
In medieval times, garnets were inlaid into swords and knives as they were thought to staunch blood flow in battle. Crusaders even studded their armor with garnets for protection and victory.
Garnets long served as antidotes for poisons and remedies for bleeding. Ground into powder, they were believed to cure inflammatory diseases. As far back as the 16th century, garnet powder was used to enhance health and wellbeing.
Healing Properties
Today, garnets are still valued for their healing properties. Used in energy work, garnets are said to stimulate the metabolism, encourage regeneration and boost libido. They allow us to let go of outdated ideas and welcome self-empowerment.
Garnets activate the root and heart chakras. At the root, garnets ground and connect us with Earth’s energy. At the heart, they promote compassion and enhance relationships. By aligning these chakras, garnets promote feelings of security and love.
In astrology, garnets are associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. As an air sign known for progress and independence, Aquarius jives well with the garnet’s empowering vibes.
July’s Dual Birthstones
So which is July’s true birthstone – ruby or garnet? The answer is both!
| Gemstone | Rubies | Garnets |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Red, especially pigeon’s blood red | All colors, especially red |
| Hardness | 9 | 7 |
| Origins | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Pakistan | Worldwide, especially India, Sri Lanka, East Africa, United States |
| Legends | Symbol of passion and protection | Believed to illuminate the night and heal wounds |
| Healing Properties | Stimulates passion and motivation | Energizes, grounds, balances |
| Astrology | Associated with the Sun | Associated with Aquarius |
| Price | Very expensive and valuable | Affordable and abundant |
While rubies have historical prestige as July’s birthstone, garnets offer a more affordable alternative. Luckily, those born in July can choose either gem to celebrate their birth month.
Rubies make treasured heirlooms and symbols of love passed down through generations. Their hardness also makes rubies ideal for jewelry meant for daily wear. Those who can splurge on this rare red gem will experience a valuable investment.
For those on a budget, garnets offer similar beauty at a fraction of the cost. While maybe not as durable as rubies, garnets make excellent birthstone keepsakes. Their long history, mystical powers and variety of colors give garnets wide appeal.
How to Choose a July Birthstone
When picking a July birthstone, consider your lifestyle and budget. Here are some tips:
– If you want an invaluable heirloom, splurge on a ruby. Opt for high quality stones with vibrant red hues.
– If you prefer everyday jewelry, choose a ruby in a simple, minimalist setting that can withstand wear.
– If you love color, pick a garnet that best fits your style, like an emerald green tsavorite or raspberry pyrope.
– If you’re on a budget, garnets offer beautiful July birthstones for less.
– For high-impact adornments, large garnets give more bang for your buck.
– Look for precision cuts that maximize a stone’s brilliance and fire.
Either way, rubies and garnets make meaningful July birthstone gifts. Their metaphysical properties provide their owners with positive energy. Given their durability, July’s birthstones promise to become cherished keepsakes.
Conclusion
In the end, rubies and garnets both make excellent July birthstones. Whether you’re treating yourself or celebrating a loved one, July’s dual gems offer the perfect way to honor summer’s scarlet month. With their beauty, mythic heritage and healing energies, rubies and garnets evoke July’s pulsing spirit.
So when choosing a July birthstone, don’t limit yourself to the traditional ruby. Consider a garnet’s variety of colors and affordable prices. With these facts in mind, you can pick the perfect birthstone to fit your life and style.